Universal chassis



Nov. 23 1926. LSAGS H. N. sfczramxlvnv:`

UNIVERSAL CHASSIS Nas-vt, 23 1926'. 1,608,468

H. N. SCHRAMM UNIVERSAL CHASSIS Filed'Sepn. 30. 1924 3 Sheets-Shet 2 Nov. 23 1926.

H. N. SCHRAMM UNI'VERSAL cHAssrs Filed Sept. 3C, 1924 I5 Sheets-F1169# 5 Arrow/fm Patented Nov, 23, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Hanni* N. scnnnmn,

me., or WEST cnnsrnn,

OF WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 SCHRAIYIM,

PENNSYLVANIA. A CORPORATION 0F FENNSYLVANIA.

UNIVERSAL CHASSIS. y

. Application and september ao, 1924. serial No. 740,692.

is to provide a universal trailer adapted to carry a variety of power driven or genery ating vunits to be transported by and operated from a tractor at a distance from the centres of manufacture or sources of supply, the elements and parts which enter into the construction of the trailer being eitherdu licates ot' those of the tractor or standard) or stock parts, and some, if not most, of the elements and parts of the tractor or trailer may .be used interchangeably. Another object of this invention isa chas sis comprising two frames mounted in. a horizontal plane, one of the frames being adapted for connection with a tracto-r and the other to carry machinery, the machinery carrying frame being adapted to be mounted on or removed from the other, or moved rearwardly or frontwardly to either lengthen or shorten the chassis.

A further object is a universal Achassis adapted to provide the base for a large variety of power driven generating unitsfsuch as portable air compressors, pumps, electric lightand power plants, lioists, rock .dr1ll, road builders, etc.

A still further object is a universal trailer chassis or base for portablepower plants provided with means for permanent connec tion with a tractor for transportation and with means for positioning the plant for the transmission of power mover of the tractor.

A still further object is a' universal trailer adapted for connection with a tractor in such a manner as to prevent a relative sidtways displacement between the tractor and trailer in a horizontal plane and to permit of arelative displacement in a vertical plane to compensate for the inequalities of the roads or ground.

A still further object is a universal trailer adapted for connection with a tractor, the rear end ofthe trailer being supported by Vtical plane and mounted on an axle adapted y ty the construction, increase to it from the prime .nism of the trailer shown in connection with 1 in F ig. 7 between the Van axle andvwheels which are the duplicate of those supporting the front end of the tractor and provided vwith a steering mechanism which is the duplicate of that of the tractor and connectedto be operated from the tractor.

A still further object is a universal trailer provided with a shaft adapted to be positioned with relation to a shaft of a tractor to permit of the transmission of power from the shaft of a primelmover ot a tractor to the trailer shaft.

A. further object is a trailer connected with a tractor to swing,lr relatively in a verto swing on a pivot, and adjustable means on opposite sides of the` pivot adapted to support the trailer in horizontal alignment with the tractor.

A further object is to improve and simplithe` utility, citi# c1ency and economy, land provide for the continuous operationv of the devices to which this invention relates. i

l/Vith the above and relatedl objects this 8G invention comprises the construction, com- .blnatlon and arraugen'lent .hereinafter more fully described, a preferred embodiment whereof is illustrated ini" the accompanying drawing which, however, may be varied by those skilled in the art without departing from this invention and be within the scope ofthe appended claims.

In the accompanying drawintrgfL Fig. l, is a side elevation ot' the improved trailer shown in connection with a Fordson tractor. V

Fig. 2 is a plan of the trailerchassis.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. Il is a section on the Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a` section on the Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a plan of the steeringr mechail line si? that of the tractor.

VFig;l .7 is a rear elevation showing the trailer chassis pivotally connected with the axle of its steeringwheels.v

Fia.A 8 is a viewof oneothe jacks shown trailer chassis land its axle.

Referring more particularly tothe draw ing fora detail description of myinvenhaving a dependingicentral portion prog# .x

tion, the reference numeral 9 designates the `chassis of the prime mover of Va Fordson tractor, provided in Athe front with steering wheels at the opposite ends of an axle 10 and provided in the rear with traction wheels 11 mounted at 'the opposite ends of a dierentially connected two-part axle 12 projecting outwardly of a housing or casin 13.

he trailer, shown in the rear o'the tractor, comprisesa chassis frame having longitudinal sides'v 14 su ported in the rear by an axle 15 and [wh ls 16, and is provided at its front iwith arms 17 andA split collars 18 spanning* the housing 13. The sides 14 are joined transversely by a bar 19 vided with perforated ears 20 for apin 21. The bar 19 is in alignment with the axle 15,

the pin 21 pivotally connecting the axle with' the ears 20 ot the bar centrally of the axle. The sides 14 are joined in front by a bar 23 and in the rear by a bar 24, and intermediate saidV front and rear bars and front'- wardly of the bar19 the sides are joined bv a bar 25 shaped like the bar 19 and similarly provided with ears 26. Between the ears 26 is pinned the apex of an angular brace 27, the legs whereof are joined with the a le 15." .t

The bar 23 joining the forward ends Iof thesides 14 is extended outwardly or' the sides, the extensions beingprovided with elongated holes registering with the bolt holes of the arms 17 for bolts 28. The split collars 18 of the arms 17 are provided with ears 29 for bolts having heads 30 and lock-nuts 31. The collars 18 are provided interiorly with cylindrical flanges for the peripheral grooves 32 of the housing 13,

'shown in Fig. 6.

The trailer wheels 16, which are duplicates of the front wheels of the tractor', are pivotally connected with the trailer axle 15 in the same manner as the front wheels of the tractor are connected with the tractor axle 10, which axle is similarly braced by a brace ot which the brace 27 is a duplicate. The trailer wheels =16 are adapted to be steered by a mechanism which is a duplicate of that of the tractor comprising arms 33 and 34 connected with the wheels 16 where they are joined with the axle 15, the free ends of the arms being connected by ball and socket joints with the opposite ends of a tie rod 35. Arm 33 of the trailer is provided with an arm 36 'connected by a ball and socket joint with one end of a longitudinal steering rod 37. The free end of the rod 37 is connected by a ball and socket joint with an arm 38 depending trom a rock shaft 39 supported by bearings 40 interiorly of the sides 14. A connecting rod 41 is connected at' one end by a ball and socket joint with an arm L@depending from the shaft 39 in alignment with the arm'38 and at its opposlte end is connected .by a ball and socket jointfwith a bracket 43 of the longitudinal steering. rod 44 of the steer-- mechanism of the tractor operatively the steering post provided with hand-wheel 45 in front of the operators seat 46 of the tractor.

Upon the axle 15 adjacent the wheels 16 are mounted sockets 47 provided interiorly ing connected by the steering with threads to i'nesh with the threads ol" bolts 48 provided with square face heads 4S). and constituting means to jaekthe trailer chassis in alignment with Athat of the tractor.A

The trailer chassis is provided with an exterioi` traine having sides '50-adjacent-the sides I4 ot' the interior frame. the rear ends oi' said sides 5() being Ajoined by a bar 51 reprwardly ot'the interior frame. Tliefsides 50 of: the exterior trame are provided at' their opposite ends with longitudinal slots 52 registering with holes lin the' sides 14 of the interior frame for bolts provided with heads and .lock-nuts 55, thebolts being projected through spacing collars 54. The rear bars -24- and 51 of the interior and exterior frames are provided centrally with threaded holes for a threaded stem 56 'provided with a wheel head 57,. 1 On top ot' the trailer chassis is mounted a base 58 of a power driven or generating unit such as the air compressor shown in Fig. 1. the base being provided with bearings for a shaft 59 carrying a pulley (il), shown to be connected by a belt (il with the pulley (i2 ot' the tractor. The base 58 is shown to be connected with the exterior trarne by bolts 63, and is adapted to slide upon the interi-or frame rearwardly or trontwardly ot the tractor by turning the hand wheel 57 when the nuts 55 of the boltsl joining the sides ot' the frames are loosened, and when the bo'lts are removed altogether the exterior traine may be slid olf or on the interior frame.

The trailer is intended to be drawn by the tractor to various places and over rough and uneven ground, andto provide for the trailer to be properly supported by its wheels, it is adapted to swing in a yvertical plane by means of the llanges oi the coupling collars 18 and the peripheral grooves of thehousing 13,'while the sides ot the grooves prevent any relativey sideways displacement between the tractor and trailer to prevent the belt from slipping oil the pulleys. To prevent the belt from slipping ott' the pulleyswhile it is transmitting power from vthe tractor shaft. to the trailer shaft, the shafts must be inalignment with their pullevs. This may be accomplished by means oi 4,the jacks 47 mounted upon the traile-rwaxle, although, normally, the jacks may bel'fdspeused with. since the fly wheel 64 mounted on the sliat't opposite the pulley 60 is ordinarily adapted to balance the trailer chassis upon its arie inname the the the axles, Wheels, supports and braces of both.

' units are duplicates. l y l l/Vhat I claim isl. In combination with a tractor1 ot a two-Wheel axle rearwardly thereof`r a hase fora body connecting` the tractor with the axle7 a frame about the base, a body adapted to loe mounted upon the base connected y/ith the frame, means t'ory moving the traine l'engthwiseof the Ebase withA the ,body there on, means 'for guiding; the body upon 'the ibase, and means `:tor locking; the goldingl means to prevent said movement.

2. rlfhe combination claimed claim li said tractor including a steering; wheel, and

means Ator steering the two Wheelaxle oper`- i atively connected with the steering,f wheel.

` 3. In combination. with a tractor provided 4.with a driving clement o a twonwheel axle, a'oase for a driven e et i'nt connected with the-tractor, to swingvertically,means connecting the base niith/th'eaxle to permit it to swing transversely of tlie/ base` a `driven element adaptedjto bev nionnted upon the base, means adapted to connect said element with thebase comprising nieansto move the lelement towards and away `from the driving Vclement and means to guide the driven element upon the base in parallel alignment with the driving y to support the driven clement with its base in horizontal alignment with the driving element.

Il, Thecolnbination claimed in claim 3,

' including means to lock the p fuidine, means to hold the driven element with its base in said alignment with the driving' element, and means adapt-ed to operatively connect said elements.

5. in combination with a tractor provided with a steering- Whcel. a tiro-wheel trailer connected. with the tractor, a body adapted to be mounted upon the trailer as a base, means adapted to connect the body with the trailer and comprising means to move the body lengthwise of the' trailer and means to hold and ,eiiidedhe body thereon7 means for steering; the trailer wheelsW and means operatively connecting' the steei,'in-xneans with the steering' wheel. i f

G. The combination claimed in clri .said trailer including :in a lc srl/wiz pivots 'for the Wheels the `opeiatively connected ement, yand adjustable means between tholjase land the axle adapted trailer with its axle to permit it to swing ItrzmsverselT o;t` the trailer fand means to 1 s 7 toe` prevent the axle from swinging' horizontally, l

7. ln combination with a tractor provided with a driving element, activo-wheel axle `trailer comprising a base mounted upon the aide and connected with the tractor to swing vertically, means pivotally connecting the base with the aidev to permit it to swing transversely, means connecting the base with the axle to prevent it from swinging horizontally, a driven element adapted to be mounted upon the base provided with means tor connection therewith and to be held in parallel alignment with the driving clement. means adapted to operatively connect said elements, and means between the axle and vthe hase adapted to prevent a relative angrular displacement betweensaid elements,

v8. The combination claimed in claim 7` said tractor including a steering wheel, and means for steering the wheels ot the trailer ivith the steering ywlneel of the tractor. y

9. A chassis comprising;v an inner frame and an outer frame, means for moving the outer frame lengthwise of the inner frame, an axle under the chassis pivotally connected with the inner trarne to savingV ina vertical plane, wheels at the opposite ends of the axle pivotally connected therewith, means for swinging the Wheels in a horizontal plane, and :means to hold the axle from swinging in the plane of the wheels.

l0. The combination:claimed in claim 9, including means mounted upon the axle on opposite sides ot its pivoted connection with the inner traine to prevent any relative *swinging movement between the chassis and the axle o y ll. The combination `with a tractor, ot' a trailer comprising;I au inner frame and an outer trame? an axle in the rear ot' the trail- -erprovided with Wheels adapted to support the trailer at the level of the tractor, rigid means depending from the inner frame centrally over the axle pivotally connected therewith, arms extending iront\\'a1' lly ol the trailer rigidly connected with' the inner trane in alignment with its opposite sidesand including` motors 'for connection with 'the tractor to prevent a relative angular dis placement between the tractor and trailer, means connecting the outer frame with the inner trame and meansfor Inovinfjr the outer frame, lengthwise ol the inner frame.

l2. The combination claimed in claim 11, said connecting means including" 'ineens adared to permit ot a relative swinging movement between the tractor and the Itrail'- er in a vertical plane, and to prevent a relaleways displacement in a horizontal combinatior 1with a tractor cl1aslof) sis, of a trailer chassis in rear of the tractor chassis, means for connectin said chasses including arms extending ontwardly of the trailer on the opposite sides of its chassis to prevent a relative angular d isplacement between the chasses and to hold them at a fixed distance apart and including means adapted to permit themto. swing "relatively in a vertical plane, an axle trans- 10 versely of the trailer chassis yand Wheels at the opposite ends of the axle normally adapted to support the trailer chassis at the level of that of the tractor, and bracing means connecting the axle with the trailer chassis to prevent a relative horizontal placement therebetween. i

14. The combination -claimed in claim 13, said trailer chassis including a cross bar in alignment with the axle, and means depending` from the bar centrally of the axle and pivotally connected therewith topermit el a relative swinging movement between the axle and the trailer inra vertical plane only.

15. The combination with a tractor cnassis, a trailer chassis connected with the tractor chassis, means transverseiy of the trailer ehaesisdncluding an axle at the rear end of the chassis normally adapted to support the trailer chassis at the level of the tractor chassis, means pivotally connecting said axle with the trailer chassis adapted to permit ot' the chassis to swing in a vertical plane only, and means between the chassis and axle adapted to jack np either end of the trailer chassis to prevent a relative an-v gular displacement of said chasses. y

16. The con'ibination claimed in ela-im 15, .and means connecting the trailer chassis with its axle adapted to prevent it from swinging' horizontally.

17. The combination of a tractor and trailer, said tractor provided with wheels at) its front end and a steering mechanism therefor, an axle in the rear of the trailer Ycentrally connected to swing vertically and adaptod'to prevent the axle from swinging horizontally, wheels pivotally connected l `with the axle to swing l'iorizontally, a rock shaft suspended transverse-.ly of the trailer, a steering rod to cach wheel, a rod alongside thc axle coniccting the steering rods, a rod between the rock'shaft and theI connect ing rod, connected by a universal joint atinc cud with one of the steering rods and by a similar joint at its opposite' end with the rockl shaft, and means connecting the steering mechanism of the tractor with the roei; shaft of the trailer.

IS. 'lfhe combination claimed in claim 1T, said vconnecting means between the steering mechanism and the rock shaft comprising a rod provided with a universal joint connecting it with the steering mechaniim and a similar joint connecting it with the rock shalt.

y 19. The combination, with a tractor unit which includes amotor driven axle, a housing therefor and a mot r driven shaft, of a trailer unit including a frame provided with bearings and a shaft supported thereby in parallel alignment with Athe motor driven shaft, couplings connecting said. units in parallel alignment, means operatively connecting the trailer shaft with that of lthe tractor, and means centrallyof thev rear of the frame connecting it with the trailer unit for moving the bearings of the trailer shaft towards and away from the tractor shaft.

20. The combination claimed-in claim 19. said couplings including means connected with the housing of the tractor axle adapted to permit of a relative swinging movcnient in a vertical plane and .to prevent a ielative .sidcwise and angular displacement between said units.

21. The combination, with a tractor including an axle and housing therefor including a frame provided with peripheral grooves, of a trailer provided with couplings connecting it with the tractor, said couplings including annular ringsregistering with the grooves of the axle housing ofthe tractor, said housing with its grooves serving as bearings for the couplings, shaft supporting bearings mounted upon a frame lying inthe plane of the coupling' frame and means for connecting and disconnecting the frames,

said tractor including a motor driven shaft,

and means operatively connecting the4 tractor shaft with the trailer shaft.

22. The combination'claimed in claim 21,

' said couplings being ot' an interiordiameter slightly larger than that of the housing, its rings having a Width slightly less than that of the groovesand the interior diameter of the rings beingslightly larger than that of the grooves.

23. The combination of a tractor unit includinga prime mover, a trailer rearwardly of the tractor .unit including .a frame as a base, a driven unit mounted on said `frame, couplings adapted to hold the frame at a xc'd distance from the tractor unit, driving means between the prime mover and driven unit, and means centrally of the frame for moving the driven unit upon its base towards and away from the prime mover to cause the driving means to operatively connect the prime mover with the driven unit.

24. The combination claimed in claim 23. means connecting the base with the driven unit adapted to guide it during seid move-A ment, and means tocanse said guides to prevll lll)

the tractor with the trailer adapted to permit of a relative swinging movement in a vertical plane therebetween with their 'shafts in parallel alignment, means conneeting'the driven unit'with the trailerl operable to move said unit lengthwise of the trailer, lneans connecting the driven unitwith the trailer to guide it withits shaft in alignment with the tractor shaft, means to cause the guiding means to prevent the operable means `from moving the driven unit upon the trailer, and means operatively connecting said shafts.

The combination claimed in claim 25, said moving, guiding and operating `means adapted to be removed to permit of the unit from the trailer. y

27. The combination with .the rear axle housing ot a tractor, said housing` rovided peripherally with grooves,y a trai er, provided in front` with couplings adapted to span the housing, said Couplings including -mounting and dismounting ol the` driven rings adapted to registerwiththeV lionsing grooves, as bearings to permit of a relative swniging movement between the tractor and trailer in a vertical plane and to prevent` a relative sidewise or angular disall' times.

placement therebetween, an arie in the rear of the trailer, said trailer including a cross har parallel with the housing, means pivotally connecting the cross'barlwith the axle, to permit it to swing vertically, a second cross har and a brace pivotally connected with the second cross bar andrigidly connected with ythe axle `,of the trailer" on.` the `opposite sides of the pivot to prevent the axle from swinging horizontally. YN'

28. The combination claimed lin claim 27, the connections between thet-railerl andtractor being adapted to prevent a relative an#r gular displacement therebetween when the axle swings on its pivot. v

29. The combinationwith the rear axle housing ot a. tractor, a-'trailer frame connected with the housing to swing thereon vertically; and extending rearwardly thereof in horizontal alignment therewith, an axlel parallel with that of the housing supportingI the frame at its rear end at the level ot the housing, a second frame exteriorlyof the lirst frame and in horizontal alignment, said second frame being connected to slide alongside the first frame, means adapted to hold the second trame in the plane of the lil-st frame and nmans for sliding the second trame towards and away from the housing.

,30, The combination claimed in claim 29, said housing provided with circumferential grooves and said connected frame including a pair of arms provided with annular rings registering with the grooves to hold the tractor and trailer in parallel alignment at 3l. In combination'wiih a tractor provided with a power driven shaft transversely thereof, a two Wheeled trailer, a driven unit mounted thereon including a transversely mounted shaft, means to opera-- tively connect said shafts, couplings between the tractor and trailer adapted to permit of a relativeA swinging movement therebetween and to prevent a relative horizontal displace-44 ment, means to move the driven unit upon the trailer, and means to prevent said movement.l

32. .The combination claimed in claiml, said preventing means adapted to be released to permit of said movement and `including `means to guide the driven unit upon the trailer with its shaft in parallel ahgnment with that of the tractor'.`

In. combination with a tractor vided with a driving element, tworoeel axle, abase for ahdriven element provided with means connecting it with-the tractor and with means connectingit 'with thetwo-A Wheel axle, a drivenv element adapted to be' mounted v upon said base, means adaptedto connect sald base with the driven element comprlslng means for movingl 1t upon the base and. to guide it in parallel alignment lwith the driving element, and means adapted to be mounted upon the guiding means to .Y

meA

base and its axle adapted to prevent. a relative angular displacement between said elements.

35. The combination otra tractor provided with a steering mechanism and with a shaft 'adapted to be driven by the motor propelling the tractor, the steering-and propelling being under thecontrol of an operator mounted upon the tractor, a trailer in the rear of the tractor, said tractor including a rear axle housing, means connecting, the

trailer with the rear axle housing of the tractor adapted to permit of a relative swinging movement therebetween in a vertical plane and to prevent a relative angular or sidewise displacement, a power driven unit mounted upon the trailer and provided with a shaft in alignment with that' of the tractor, a. steering mechanism under the trailer, means operatively connecting said shafts, and means conneetingsaid steering mechamsms.

36. The combination claimed in claim '35, including means for moving the ower driven unit upon the trailery with its shaft parallel to that of the tractor and means to prevent said movement.

37. The combination of a tractor provided with shpower transmitting shaft, a trailer connected with the tractor toswing relatively in a vertical plane, said trailer vbeing 'adapted tol carry a power ldriven `unit prothe unit uponthe trailer with its shaft in' said alignment with that of the tractor, said tractor including means for steering the trailer.

38. The combination claimed in claim 37, including means adapted to prevent a relative angularor sidewise displacement be-- tween said shafts.

39. In 'combination with the rear axle housing'of 'a tractor including circumferential grooves at the opposite ends of the housing, ofa trailer in rearof the tractor provided vwith couplings including annular rings registeringwith the grooves and serving asbearings for the housing to rock in, the sides of the grooves beingv adapted to prevent a relative sidewise displacement between thetractor and trailer;

40. `The combination claimed in claim 39, said couplings including arms. extending frontwardly yof `thetrailer and rigidly connccting it. withthe rings to hold the trailer in horizontal alignment with the housing.

41. In combination with the rear axle housing of a tractor, a-t-railer,a pair of couplingmembers rigldly connected with the trailerf'and provided with annular rings about the axle housing of the tractor, to permit of they trailer being 'propelled by the tractor andto swing relatively in a vertical plane, a two wheel axle at the rear of the trailer-pivotally'connected to swing transversely of'the trailer, and means on opposite sides of the pivoted connection adapted for adjustment :to support the traileriin horizontal alignment with the tractor.

' coupling members extending 42. The combination ,claimed in claim 41, including means for 'steering the trailer 45 wheels, and means to prevent the trailer axle from swinging in the plane of its wheels.

43. In combination with the circumferentialgrooves of therear axle housing of a tractor, a trailer, a pair of coupling members rigidly connected with the trailer and provided with annular rings about the housing and registering with the grooves to permlt of a relative swinging movement between the tractor and trailer and to prevent a relative sidewise displacement therebetween, an axle provided with dirigible wheels pivotally connected with the trailer, and adjust ab e means on opposite sides of the pivoted connection to prevent a relative angular`displacement -between the axle housing of the ltractor and the couplings connecting it with `the trailer.

44. The combination claimed in claim 43, including means pivotally connected with 05 the trailer and rigidly connected with its l axllle to prevent it vfrom swinging horizonta y.

45. In combination with the circumferential grooves of the rear axle housing of a tractor, a trailer in rear of the tractor, a pair `vof frontwardly of thel trailer, each member including an annular ring mounted in a' groove of the axle housing as a bearing, and atwo wheel axle 75. i

under the trailer rearwardly 'of the couplings. i

46. The combination claimed in claim 45, including means for disconnecting the couv-v plings from the trailer and the rings-from 30 the housing and means to rigidly connect the couplings with the trailer. j .In testimony whereof I have attachedg'ny signature to this specification.

"HENRY N. scimmia- 

